Côtes du Rhône 2010 - Xavier Vins

One of the most charming Côtes-du-Rhône we have come across – yet again, for under £10 per bottle. You will love its beautiful aromas of dark fruit and its silky tannins. Expressive nose and round on the palate – this is how we could simply describe it.

Great to drink with white and red meat (with sauce or grilled), cheese, spicy or aromatic cuisine with herbs.

A word about the producer

Initially a “flying winemaker” (Bordeaux, Champagne, Australia, New Zealand, California...), Xavier Vignon has become an oenologist and a consultant in the Southern Rhône Valley. He is now adviser to some of the most prestigious domains in the region, such as Le Nerthe and Grand Veneur. This activity allows him to source the best grapes to elaborate his wines. Since the late 90s, Xavier has spent most of his time in the Rhône Valley, developing modern techniques while keeping traditional methods with an amazing success.

What experts say

About the producer Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "I was blown away by these current and new releases. Across the board they showed beautifully made profiles, with not only loads of fruit and texture, but superb balance and classic Southern Rhone characters. In fact, each of the wines showed what I think of as textbook characteristics of the terroirs from which they come. In addition, the prices remain remarkably low, and these wines are a treasure trove for the savvy buyer."

About the wine Robert Parker: 90 “Composed of 70% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Syrah, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone was aged in wood barrels (one-third) and tank (two-thirds). It possesses copious notes of garrigue, loamy soil, balsam wood, underbrush, kirsch and blacker fruits. This medium-bodied 2010 is ideal for consuming over the next several years.”